Even in a game in which Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett exploded for five sacks, the Browns still lost 32-13 to the New England Patriots. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the rest of the organization will now reassess everything as they search for ways to improve the roster.
But what about quarterback Dillon Gabriel?
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Makes Feelings Known Regarding Dillon Gabriel
According to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Stefanski appears to have some confidence still in Gabriel. “Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said he is going to ‘look at everything’ but is sticking with rookie Dillon Gabriel at QB,” Oyefusi said while quoting Stefanski.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said he is going to “look at everything” but is sticking with rookie Dillon Gabriel at QB.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 26, 2025
In the loss, Gabriel completed 21 of 35 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns, and as many interceptions. The team took an early lead following a touchdown pass from Gabriel to fellow rookie and tight end, Harold Fannin Jr.. Fannin Jr. finished with six receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns’ running game was completely stymied. The team combined for 16 carries for 68 yards. Six different runners were involved, including wide receiver Malachi Corley, running back Quinshon Judkins, Gabriel, wide receiver Gage Larvadain, Fannin Jr., and running back Dylan Sampson. Unfortunately, Judkins left early with a shoulder injury.
Following the loss, the Browns are now 2-6. They beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 at home, 31-6, and that was the first win of Gabriel’s career.
What about fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders? Why didn’t he make an appearance? Fans have been calling for him to be the starter since before the start of the season. Sanders was ruled out before this game due to back tightness. With him sidelined, the backup quarterback was Bailey Zappe.
It remains to be seen what exactly Stefanski is going to have a look at, but perhaps, if not Gabriel, something on defense.
Again, while Garrett had five sacks, the team allowed Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to complete 18 of 24 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Patriots’ running game racked up 177 yards, and the team averaged 6.5 yards per play. That said, this type of performance from the Patriots offense isn’t surprising, as they have an 82.7 score in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
The Browns have a Week 9 bye and face the New York Jets on the road in Week 10. We’ll see what kind of moves, if any, are made between now and then.
